Rose is the color of joy, and we wear it on the two Sundays in which “joy” is the theme of the day: Gaudete Sunday in Advent, and Laetare Sunday in Lent. It isn’t that only these two Sundays are joyful, but they are uniquely joyful in their respective seasons, as they mark the midway point on our journey through these penitential seasons towards a marvelous feast. It’s like turning a corner on a long car ride, or rounding a bend on an lengthy hike, and seeing – off in the distance, but now visible – the object of our desire, our anticipated destination. The Church wants us to feel in a deep way something of the significance of these days, and so she plants this day of rejoicing at its heart, to fill us with encouragement as we persevere in our Lenten penances. The name “Laetare Sunday” comes from the entrance antiphon for 4th Sunday of Lent. Laetare is the Latin word meaning “to rejoice”, and the antiphon commands us – think of that: we are commanded – to do just that: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast” (cf. Isaiah 66:10-11)
The Church is the new Jerusalem and those who are not only a part of her but who also love her are commanded to be joyful, to be consoled and satisfied by the milk flowing from her bosom, nourishing us during our earthly pilgrimage. This “milk” is given in her Sacraments (especially the Eucharist), in her devotions, in her teachings, and even in her laws, all of which form us to be her good, healthy, holy children. We are in a time of penance, a time of mourning, but we have hope because of who the Church is for us and what she does for us. To be a sinner in need of salvation and not to belong to the Church or to love her is a true sorrow. But we are sinners who belong to the Bride of Christ, whom He has given us to administer His salvation, and so “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). The Church, Christ’s Bride, wants only to reveal her Bridegroom to us, and she does this through her every word and action. Her activity is ordered towards one goal: bringing us before the face of the Lord, and in this we rejoice.
By way of catechesis, I also want to touch on a few significant elements of our Lenten practices as Catholics. You may notice that during Lent there are no flowers/plants in the sanctuary, nor is there instrumental music played. This is because, per the Roman Missal, “it is not permitted to decorate the altar with flowers, and the use of musical instruments is allowed only so as to support singing. Nevertheless, Laetare Sunday, Solemnities, and Feasts are exceptions to this rule.” If the extra silence once the music “runs out” has made you wonder what’s going on, now you know! Silence aids sobriety and solemnity; these are especially important during this solemn & sober season.
Additionally, on Good Friday the Missal indicates that “on the afternoon of this day, about 3 o’clock (unless a later hour is chosen for pastoral reason), there takes place the celebration of the Lord’s Passion…” The emphasis on having this Liturgy at 3pm is in direct reference to the hour at which the Lord died on the cross, which should be honored insofar as it is possible. At this Liturgy, during the showing of the cross, the Missal also indicates how this action should take place. There we read that “only one Cross should be offered for adoration. If, because of the large number of people it is not possible for all to approach individually, the Priest…invites the people in a few words to adore the Holy Cross and afterwards holds the Cross elevated higher for a brief time, for the faithful to adore in silence.” Having multiple crosses is not an option, even though this makes the Liturgy significantly longer. Because of the worthy devotion of the people, we will utilize the first option of having one cross, and remember that our Lord hung upon the cross for several hours so that we could share in this Mystery on Good Friday.
Lastly, a word about the prohibition of eating meat on the Fridays (and Ash Wednesday) during Lent. It seems that for some, the meaning behind this practice has been lost. Some – likely due to anti-Catholic sentiment – even claim the practice was adopted to line the pockets of fishermen! It would be laughable, if it weren’t so ridiculous. In reality, the law prohibiting the consumption of flesh meat on Fridays during Lent and Ash Wednesday has Christ at its heart: Since Jesus sacrificed His flesh for us on Good Friday, we refrain from eating flesh meat in His honor on Fridays. Fish and other cold-blooded animals that live in the water have never been considered to fall into the category of “flesh meat”, which is why they are “fair game”. It should be stated that the Church still upholds this as a worthy practice to be performed all year long, even though the law doesn’t absolutely require this specific penance except during Lent. So, when you think you can’t eat another fish stick & you’d rather grill up something red, just remember: Jesus sacrificed His flesh out of love for you on a Friday, and so out of love, we make our own sacrifice of flesh for Him. In the end, our whole faith and the faithful practice of it have nothing other than love of God as its fundamental reason, and when we remember that, nothing seems too great a cost to show our love. May God bless you in the week ahead and may Mother Mary lead you more deeply into the Sacred and Merciful Heart of Jesus. I remain,
Affectionately Yours in Christ,
Fr. Hess
